Shaping the future for Murray

IT WAS with the impeccable sense of timing which has helped Andy Murray to achieve so much that he headed to Germany yesterday for the first in a series of physical tests to determine how hard he can be pushed through what will be a critical year in his development as a legitimate championship contender.

Mark Petchey (Andy's coach) said:

We need to know where his body is at and what we need to do with his legs, his hamstrings, his quads, his back, everything. Then we’ll put the best programme together for him.

Everyone is talking about winning this and that next year, but I see my goal as having him around in 15 years’ time and challenging for grand slams, if that is where his level is at. It’s not about making it happen in January 2006, but January 2010. The next couple of years are crucial to have him in the best shape for the rest of his career.

He is receptive to what I think he needs for him to get better, but stubborn as well. It’s a great challenge but I like that. He has an uncanny understanding of the game for one so young.